I've just stumbled across this site and thought I would ask your opinion as you seem to give good advice.

I'm currently looking to upgrade my Panasonic TZ5, which happens to be on its last legs, to some form of a bridge camera. I'm about to head off travelling and am looking for a good camera which is good for scenic photos, as well as the traditional close up, 'party' photos - I'm a bit of wannabe photographer so something that gets the quality of a decent SLR would be ideal. I'm trying not to spend over £400, as I'll soon be an unemployed travelling bum so need as much money as possible. I have been recommended the Canon Powershot SX40 and the Sony Cybershot HX200 by various people, both of which look good, but I'm finding it hard to choose between these, and all the various other similar cameras on the market. I'm personally wanting to stay away from Panasonic cameras as I've personally had problems with my TZ5, and I have noticed a decrease in the quality of their cameras over the last few years.

Hi Ruben123. That does seem like a good camera, thanks for recommending it. I definitely like its IQ and the superzoom. I think I might have to definitely consider it - definitely better than a lot of the ones I was considering. Thanks very much